Promises
When Dad died, I sobbed about who’d walk me up the aisle. He wrapped me in a bear hug and said, “I’ll be there.” I didn’t even have a boyfriend, but my brother’s promise was what I needed.
Haven’t seen him in years; it’s Joe who holds my hand now.
But today, Joe’s inside and I’m out here alone, smoothing out my train.
There’s a shout from the lake and a boat roars into view. I don’t know what Joe or our priest will think about his attire, but we keep promises in our family. That’s gotta count for something.
elmowrites 